External Trap Apparatus and Method for Safely Controlling Tool String Assemblies

Abstract

An improved external trap apparatus 570 and a method for safely controlling drilling tool string components during oil field drilling operations includes a collar clamp 72 affixed to a drilling tool string lubricator 80 and configured with laterally spaced first and second vertical rails 120, 122 depending therefrom. Lubricator 80 also carries a lubricator clamp assembly 572 which is affixed to Lubricator 80 with inward clamping surfaces defining a non-circular or slightly elliptical central bore 574. Laterally spaced first and second vertical rails 120, 122 are configured to support a reinforced catcher plate assembly 164 carrying a tool-end receiving funnel receptacle 202 and first and second energy absorbing crush cylinders 160, 162. When the drill string 82 is raised or withdrawn from the well 28, the funnel receptacle 202 can be rotated into coaxial alignment to catch the drill string's end or downhole tool, in the event of an inadvertent loss of control of the drill string 82. Further disclosed is a sleeve/guide assembly to work in conjunction with the lubricator collar clamp, catcher plates, and crush cylinders.

Description

CLAIM FOR PRIORITY[0001]This application is a Continuation-In-Part of application Ser. No. 15 / 952,692 filed on Apr. 13, 2018, which claims benefit of 62 / 485,087 filed on Apr. 13, 2017 and is a CIP of Ser. No. 15 / 120,714 filed on Aug. 22, 2016 which is a 371 of PCT / US2014 / 071431 filed on Dec. 19, 2014 which claims benefit of 62 / 088,767 filed on Dec. 8, 2014 and claims benefit of 61 / 919,727 filed on Dec. 21, 2013.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to equipment for use in drilling and finishing hydrocarbon recovery wells, to drill and tool string apparatus, to drilling methods and, more particularly, to safety mechanisms and methods for the prevention of damage due to an unintended release of a well drilling tool, drill string, tool string, or like equipment used at a wellhead site.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Discussion of the Prior Art as is known in the art, the recovery of oil or other hydrocarbons from underground is commonly accomplished by means of a b...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome the above mentioned difficulties by providing an apparatus and a method for safely controlling drill string components during drilling operations so that when a tool is being inserted into a borehole, or is being raised or withdrawn from it, the distal end of the drill string or any downhole tool will be caught or trapped in an impact dampening funnel receptacle and be kept from falling uncontrollably if an inadvertent loss of control of the drill string occurs.

[0012]Another object of the invention is to provide an external tool trap that will catch unintentionally released tools in a cushioned manner that dissipates the kinetic energy of the falling equipment in such a way that any damage to tools, or the tool trap itself, as well as nearby people and equipment, is minimized.

[0013]Briefly, the apparatus and method of the present invention provide an improved tool trap which can be attached to the outside of a lubricator or other tool or tool string housing so that the end of tool string can be lowered past the housing for inspection with the tool trap in place to prevent damage that can be caused by an unintended release of the tool or the drill string. This external drill string trap assembly comprises a collar clamp having laterally spaced first and second vertical rails depending therefrom, the collar clamp being securable to the tool string housing. First and second energy absorbing crush cylinders are affixed to corresponding bottom ends of the first and second vertical rails, and an openable and closable catcher plate assembly is pivotally mounted on the rails in alignment with the housing. A tool-end receiving funnel receptacle is positioned on the catcher plate assembly, and is movable into coaxial alignment with the drill string housing when the catcher plate assembly is closed to receive any falling equipment and to transfer the kinetic energy of the equipment to the crush cylinders. The assembly further includes a lubricator clamp assembly defining a non-circular or slightly elliptical central bore mounted on the lubricator or housing and between the rails below and coaxially aligned with the drill string housing, and a debris shield surrounds the funnel receptacle when the catcher plate assembly is closed.

[0014]In greater detail, a tool trap assembly of the present invention is configured to arrest and cushion a f

Problems solved by technology

The weight of such equipment poses serious safety issues, for the cable 58 holding a tool string 36 can break or be disconnected because of defective materials, operator error, or for other reasons.

Falling tool strings (e.g., 36) not only can cause serious and costly damage to drilling equipment as well as significant delays in the drilling operation, but can cause serio

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